Admission Requirements
Normally, applicants are required to have an acceptable undergraduate degree with at least a B+ average. Applicants are also required to submit:
- Faculty of Graduate Studies admissions application form
- two official copies of transcripts of all post-secondary education
- three letters of reference (preferably two should be from university faculty members; however, professional referees may be used if the applicant is unable to provide two references from university faculty members)
- a résumé or curriculum vitae
- a statement of interest (minimum 500 words in length) outlining how graduate studies in education might serve the applicant's academic and/or professional interests, and what is of interest to the applicant in the graduate programme
- one sample of written work (e.g., a paper demonstrating how the applicant works with a body of literature or builds an argument; typically, the sample paper is from a university course completed within the past five years.)
Note: If unable to provide a sample of written work, the applicant should provide an extended statement of interest not to exceed 1500 words.
Application files are assessed on the basis of the information contained within the file as a whole. Consideration is given to the combined profile of demonstrated academic standing, professional background and experience, potential to pursue and benefit from graduate studies, and compatibility of interests between the applicant and the Graduate Programme in Education: Language, Culture and Teaching.
Program Description
Candidates for the M.Ed. degree select one of the following options:
1. a thesis and a minimum of 3 full course equivalents (6 half courses); or
2. a major research project and a minimum of 4 full course equivalents (8 half courses).
3. course work only: a minimum of 4 full course equivalents (8 half courses) plus the two term non credit course EDUC 5001.00 Inquiry Project Seminar.
In addition, all MEd candidates choosing the thesis or major research project are required to take EDUC 5130.00 Research Proposal Seminar.
For all options, candidates may take the equivalent of one full course outside their area of specialization (i.e., in other graduate Programs at York, or in a graduate Program of another university), with prior written approval of the candidate's advisor and the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
The graduate Program reserves the right to require additional course work up to one full course on a case-by-case basis. Such requirements will be specified upon admission and can be taken through existing courses. Candidates will be required to complete such courses before the beginning of their second academic year of study.
Theses & Research Projects
After finishing the required coursework, the MEd candidate continues registering and working on either their thesis or major research project until approved final copies are submitted to the office.
Thesis
Under the guidance of the Supervisory Committee the candidate makes a contribution to the knowledge of their area of specialization, embodying original, independent, applied scholarship (this contribution may take the form of research based on data collection and analysis; a comprehensive, critical review and analysis of the literature in a field; the development of a theoretical position, a critique of curriculum materials or of policies and practices in the field, or some combination of the foregoing).
The Supervisory Committee consists of a minimum of two members from the Faculty of Graduate Studies, at least one of whom must be from the Graduate Program in Education, and who serves as the principal supervisor. In exceptional circumstances, and with the prior approval of the Dean, one additional member may be appointed who is not a member of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
After the formal submission of the thesis, an oral examination focuses on the thesis and matters related to it. The oral examination will be conducted in keeping with regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies (go to www.yorku.ca/grads/pub/td.htm for more details).
Research Projects & Oral Evaluation
Under the guidance of a Supervisor and a Reader, the candidate completes a research project which is equal to a thesis in academic quality but which may be more limited in scope and/or degree of originality. The research project may take a variety of forms, such as a critical review of the literature on a topic of interest; an essay that explores a theoretical position; a research study of either a qualitative or quantitative nature; or a curriculum or Program development project. After the formal submission of the research project, an oral evaluation focuses on the context and implications of the work.
Course Work Option Only
Students after completing 8 half-courses (or equivalent) can choose to enrol in the non-credit two term course EDUC 5001.00 Inquiry Project Seminar. Students will select a topic for an inquiry based project on their previous course work, their educational interests, and in consultation with the course instructor. Options include but are not limited to: a portfolio of past course work, including a summative essay or reflective essay on their MEd course work; a comprehensive annotated resource document in their area of interest; web-based workshop; a practitioner-based research project; a new curriculum for their area of teaching; a portfolio focused on curriculum-driven media-based project; a collaborative knowledge mobilization project. The course instructor will support, review and enhance the individual inquiry projects through class meetings and individual or group consultations. Students must complete their inquiry projects within the course. Grading will be pass/fail.
Residency Regulations & Registration
There is no residency requirement for the Master of Education Program. Both full-time and part-time study options are available. Candidates must maintain continuous registration. Candidates must register and pay tuition fees until all degree requirements are met. There are three terms in an academic year: Fall, Winter, Summer. Full-time M.Ed. students must be registered for a minimum of three terms before graduation; part-time M.Ed. students a minimum of six terms before graduation. The time limit for completion of the M.Ed. Program is four years from a candidate's entry into the Program. The maximum period of full-time study for M.Ed. candidates cannot exceed six terms, after that the candidates' status changes to part-time.